My First 10,000 Photos Were Rubbish!

I know what you’re thinking: “He’s talking about small steps again.” And you’re right! But hear me out—this isn’t just a favorite topic of mine. It’s a foundational truth I learned the hard way, and it’s worth repeating because it truly works.

Let me take you back more than 40 years. I was just starting out with photography, inspired by the breathtaking images I saw in magazines and galleries. I wanted to create art like that, to capture moments that could move people.

So, I saved up for an expensive camera, read all the guides I could find, and threw myself into the craft. I had big dreams and plenty of enthusiasm. But as you might guess, reality had other plans.

My first photos were…well, let’s just say they were far from art. The composition was awkward, the lighting was terrible, and I didn’t have the faintest idea how to make the camera work for me. It was frustrating, and honestly, I wanted to give up.

But I didn’t.

Instead of obsessing over perfection, I decided to focus on one thing: practice. My new goal wasn’t to take amazing photos—it was simply to take photos. Lots of them. Every day. No matter how bad they were.

And trust me, most of them were really bad. In fact, I’d say my first 10,000 photos were rubbish. But I kept going.

Over time, something amazing happened. I started to see patterns in my mistakes. I began experimenting with light and angles, paying attention to details I’d previously ignored. Slowly but surely, my photos improved.

Looking back, those 10,000 “failures” were anything but wasted effort. Each one taught me something, built my confidence, and brought me closer to the photographer I wanted to become.

That’s the power of small, consistent steps.

And that’s why I’m telling this story at the start of a new year. Whether your goal is to learn a new skill, improve your health, or tackle a big project, the same principle applies. Break it down. Take one small action today, then another tomorrow.

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that success has to come quickly or dramatically. But real growth doesn’t happen in leaps—it happens in inches. It’s not about getting it perfect; it’s about showing up, again and again, even when you feel like you’re failing.

So, if you’re worried about starting small, remember this: my first 10,000 photos were rubbish. But they paved the way for every image I’ve taken since.

This year, embrace the small steps. Celebrate the tiny victories. And trust that with persistence, those little actions will lead to something extraordinary.

Stop Worrying—Start Living

The beginning of a new year often feels like a time of pressure. Will I get my finances in order? Will I finally lose that weight? Am I on the right career path? Are my relationships where they should be? The list goes on.

But let me ask you something: has worrying ever solved any of those problems?

I’ve spent more than enough sleepless nights in my life going over all the “what-ifs” and “how-wills” in my head. You know what changed when morning came? Nothing. Worry didn’t magically pay the bills, fix my relationships, or get me closer to my goals. It just drained my energy and left me with nothing to show for it.

Worry is a thief. It steals your time, your energy, and your confidence. And worst of all, it tricks you into thinking you’re doing something productive when all you’re really doing is standing still.

What actually works? Action.

When I decided to stop letting my worries control me, I started focusing on small, consistent actions instead. Instead of worrying about money, I made a plan—cut unnecessary expenses, saved what I could, and stuck to it. Instead of worrying about my health, I got moving—10 minutes of walking turned into a habit that reshaped my day.

Consistency is the real magic here. You don’t have to tackle everything at once. In fact, you shouldn’t. Pick one thing. Just one. And commit to showing up for it every day, even when it feels like progress is slow. The results will come, but only if you stick with it.

Let’s not forget the importance of rest. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking time to recharge isn’t laziness—it’s strategy. Rest fuels your determination, sharpens your focus, and keeps you from burning out before you’ve even started.

And confidence? That comes from doing, not worrying. Every time you take action, no matter how small, you prove to yourself that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t a switch you flip—it’s built one step at a time.

So, as we step into 2025, I challenge you to let go of worry. It’s not helping you, and it never will. Instead, channel that energy into action, consistency, determination, rest, and self-belief.

This year, let’s not just survive—we’ll thrive. One step at a time, one action at a time. The future isn’t built by worrying about what might go wrong; it’s built by doing what’s right, right now.

New Year’s Resolutions: Turning Intentions Into Realities

Every January 1st, I used to sit down with a cup of coffee, a notebook, and a head full of ambitious resolutions. I’d scribble things like “exercise every day,” “save a lot of money,” or “finally write that book.” And for a week or two, I’d be on fire, tackling my goals with enthusiasm.

But by the end of January, reality would set in. Work would get busy, motivation would waver, and life’s curveballs would send those lofty resolutions into the “maybe next year” pile. Sound familiar?

It took me years—and a lot of trial and error—to figure out why my resolutions never stuck. The turning point came one year when I was reflecting on some of my past achievements. I realized the successes that truly changed my life hadn’t happened overnight or through monumental effort. They were the result of small, consistent actions I took every day, even when I didn’t feel like it.

That year, I tried a different approach. Instead of writing a list of grand goals, I started with one resolution: to walk for 10 minutes every day. No gym membership, no intense workouts—just 10 minutes. At first, it felt insignificant. But as the weeks went by, those 10 minutes became 20, and then 30. Walking cleared my head, lifted my mood, and sparked creative ideas I hadn’t expected.

Next, I tackled my finances. I wanted to save a large amount, but I knew big numbers would overwhelm me. So, I started saving €5 a week. It seemed laughable at first, but as the months passed, the habit grew. Watching my savings account slowly grow gave me a sense of control and satisfaction that motivated me to keep going.

Of course, there were days I skipped a walk or forgot to save. The old me might have seen that as failure, but this time, I gave myself grace. I’d remind myself that one slip-up didn’t erase all my progress. I just picked up where I left off and kept going.

By the end of the year, I hadn’t just achieved those resolutions—I’d built habits that became part of my daily life. That’s when it clicked: resolutions aren’t about drastic changes. They’re about small, consistent actions that add up over time.

So, as you sit down to make your resolutions this year, I encourage you to start small. Be specific. Focus on one thing at a time. And above all, be kind to yourself when the road gets bumpy.

Because trust me, if I can turn my resolutions into realities, so can you.

Just Because I Give You Advice, Doesn’t Mean I’m Smarter Than You

Happy New Year, dear readers!

As we step into another year, I want to set the record straight about the intentions behind my articles. The advice and insights I share aren’t coming from some lofty pedestal of superior intelligence or perfect wisdom. Quite the opposite, in fact. The truth is simple: I’ve just made more mistakes than you—some of them pretty spectacular ones!

Life has a funny way of teaching us. For me, it’s been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. At times, the lows felt devastating, like I’d hit rock bottom and couldn’t possibly get up again. But as I look back, I realize those moments weren’t just hardships—they were lessons. Some, I’ll admit, were learned the hard way. And for the lessons I didn’t grasp the first time, well, life has its own way of repeating the curriculum until you pass.

The reason I write these articles isn’t to preach or to pretend I have all the answers. It’s to share the experiences I’ve lived through, the struggles I’ve faced, and the lessons I’ve learned. I know everyone’s journey is unique, and there’s no substitute for personal experience. But I also know how comforting it can be to realize you’re not alone.

When you’re in the thick of a challenge, it helps to know that others have faced similar struggles—and come out stronger on the other side. That’s what I’m here for: to remind you that it’s okay to stumble, to fall, and to get back up again.

So as we embark on this new year together, I hope my stories and insights resonate with you, not as a guidebook, but as a fellow traveler sharing the map I’ve drawn from my own journey. Let’s navigate the twists and turns of life together, with hope, humor, and a whole lot of heart.

Here’s to learning, growing, and thriving in the year ahead!

It's Time to Stop Pretending and Start Being Real

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it's time for an honest conversation. Over the past few years, we’ve allowed ourselves to drift farther from who we truly are. Social media, filters, and now AI have become tools that, while innovative, have turned into instruments of self-deception.

It started innocently enough: pretending to have a life we didn’t actually live for the sake of likes, views, and followers. Then came filters—tools that reshaped our appearances, so we could fit into some distorted norm. Finally, AI entered the picture, not as a villain, but as an enabler. With face-swaps, voiceovers, and AI-generated avatars, we've created faceless personas that are projections, not reflections, of our true selves.

This has gone beyond unhealthy—it’s destructive.

In chasing approval, we’ve traded our uniqueness for conformity. In curating perfection, we’ve buried our imperfections, the very things that make us human. We’ve lost touch with our authentic selves. And for what? A fleeting moment of validation? A few bucks? Some followers? In truth, we’ve paid the highest price: we’ve lost our sense of self.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Imagine a world where the greatest achievement is simply being yourself. A world where authenticity is celebrated, and honesty is the new trend. Where we value connection over perfection, substance over style, and generosity over greed.

We don’t need more filters; we need more truth. We don’t need more followers; we need more love. We don’t need to impress strangers; we need to reconnect with ourselves.

Let’s make 2025 the year we find our way back to what truly matters. Let’s commit to honesty, love, and self-expression. Let’s stop pretending and start living as the beautiful, imperfect, and irreplaceable people we truly are.

If this resonates with you, share this article. Let’s spread a message of hope and authenticity for the year ahead. Together, we can inspire a movement where being yourself is the greatest trend of all.

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful, joyful, and authentic New Year. May 2025 be the year we reclaim who we are.

This is my last article for 2024! I thank you all who read what I had to say and shared their thoughts with me. I will start a new series of articles on January 2nd, 2025. You are all welcome to come back and be part of this journey. If you guys are interested, I will start some life events where we can meet and chat a little and have a true exchange about issues that matter to us. Let me know if you are interested, and I will prepare for it.

With love and hope,

yours truly, Robert Ziehe

What You Are Not Changing, You Are Choosing

As the year winds down, it's natural to reflect on what has worked for us and what hasn't. Yet, many of us fall into the trap of complaining about the things that make us unhappy while resisting the changes that could free us. Here's the hard truth: if you are not changing what bothers you, you are choosing to keep it in your life.

Let that sink in for a moment.

This realization can feel uncomfortable at first, but it is also deeply empowering. If we accept that every situation we tolerate is, in essence, a choice, we reclaim the power over our lives. With this awareness, two transformative paths emerge:

1. Understand Why You’re Choosing It
   Often, we keep things in our lives that don’t align with our preferences because of underlying fears, beliefs, or habits. For example, staying in a toxic job might feel safer than facing the uncertainty of change. But when we ask ourselves, Why am I choosing this? and dig deep for the answer, we might discover the real reasons holding us back. Awareness is the first step to release—once you understand why you’re choosing something, you can begin to let it go.

2. Decide to Change It
   Once you’ve acknowledged that staying in your current situation is a choice, you are free to make a new one. Change doesn’t have to be dramatic or immediate. Small, consistent steps toward something better are just as powerful. Start by asking, What can I do today to move closer to the life I want? Then do it. Repeat it. And watch your life transform.

Here’s the truth: You can’t expect different results by doing the same things. If you want your life to change, you must be willing to change how you think, act, and approach the world.

A Holiday Season of Transformation

The holidays are a perfect time to reflect on what you truly want and need in life. Use this season not just to celebrate but to envision the changes you want to create in the coming year. Think about what you’re not changing and recognize it as your choice. Then, ask yourself—What can I choose instead?

I wish you a fantastic Christmas filled with joy, love, and meaningful transformation.

For those who don’t celebrate Christmas, may this holiday season—whether it’s Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, or simply the end of the calendar year—bring you peace, warmth, and a renewed sense of purpose. And for everyone, no matter your beliefs or traditions, may this time of year inspire you to embrace the changes that lead to a life of fulfillment and happiness.

Let’s make this season a time for bold choices and brighter futures. 🌟

The Future You Desire

What if I told you that your future is not some distant, uncontrollable event but something you shape every single day? Ariana Grande's journey to her dream role in Wicked is more than an inspiring success story; it’s a masterclass in how the power of attention, gratitude, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.

Five years ago, Ariana Grande was asked if she would ever consider being part of the Harry Potter franchise. Her response? A polite refusal. But when the conversation shifted to Wicked, her tone changed entirely. “Oh, that’s different,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “I would do anything to play Elphaba.” She spoke with such passion and longing that it was as though the universe itself took note.

Fast forward to today, and Ariana is living her dream, cast in the Wicked movie as Glinda, a character she has adored since she was 10 years old. To many, it seems like destiny. But this is where we need to pause, because Ariana’s story isn’t just about destiny; it’s about deliberate creation.

At 10, Ariana attended a production of Wicked. She wasn’t famous then—just a young girl with stars in her eyes. Her family bid on a backstage tour during an auction, and Ariana got to meet Kristin Chenoweth, the original Glinda. Kristin gave her a small gift—a magical wand and shower gel. Ariana treasured these items, using the soap sparingly for years, dipping her finger in just enough to make it last. Why? Because it wasn’t just soap. It was a tangible reminder of her dream, a daily symbol of where she wanted to go.

When the Wicked movie was announced, people assumed Ariana’s fame guaranteed her role. But behind the scenes, her journey was anything but easy. For six months, she took voice and acting lessons every single day to prepare for the audition. When asked if she ever doubted herself, she responded with profound humility: “I had no expectations. I was just thankful to have the opportunity to audition.”

This gratitude, combined with her sustained attention on her goal, made all the difference. She wasn’t consumed by fear or entitlement. Instead, she embraced the process, pouring her heart into the work without obsessing over the outcome.

Ariana’s story illustrates a profound truth: the present moment is not just something that passes into the past. It advances into the future, carrying with it every decision, every effort, and every dream you invest in today. Quote:

“The present moment does not recede into the past. It advances into the future to confront us spent or invested, not gone as that last moment, but oncoming.”

Look around you. Everything you see—the home you live in, the relationships you cherish, even the struggles you face—is the result of choices you’ve made. And just as you shaped your present, you have the power to shape your future.

1. Define Your Dream: Be as clear and specific as possible.

2. Create Daily Reminders: Find something that keeps your dream alive in your heart and mind every day.

3. Take Consistent Action: Even small, deliberate steps can move mountains over time.

4. Release Expectations: Trust in the process and focus on the work. Practice gratitude for the opportunity to try.

5. Adjust and Persist: Life will challenge you. Disappointments will come. But remember, the world will ask you again tomorrow what you want. Every day is a new chance to answer differently.

Ariana Grande’s journey to Wicked is a beacon for anyone who has ever dared to dream. It shows us that dreams don’t just happen; they are built, moment by moment, through attention, intention, and effort. So, what are you shaping today? What small step can you take now to bring your future closer?

Your dreams are waiting, not as distant possibilities but as seeds ready to grow. Tend to them with care, and they will bloom into realities that even you might one day marvel at.